Storms, Digging Trenches & Werewolfen Mystery

Evening-meow, Big Beautiful Cats. With the ferocious storms rolling across the tame cattle prairie, the Kougar has resorted to digging trenches, just so her precious canines will remain high and dry in their yard. What moi wouldn't give, except for the lack of actual cash, for one of those little cute cat digger-scooper machines, so she could add a decorative stream and refill a small pond area ~ and, thus, solving two problems at once. Or catching two birds with one stone. Indeed, one of the Kougaress's most fave things to do in life.

On Monday, June 16, moi's author interview for Authors and Books will be posted, courtesy of Renee Knowles, Siren author of the new series, Pleasure, Inc. Thank you, Renee!
Renee Knowles
Sensual, Sassy and Slightly Sinful
Going Topless--"A must read."--Euro-Reviews Out Now! Siren
Guilty Pleasures--Summer 08 Siren
Courting Trouble--Regency Historical--July 23rd! Wild Rose Press
www.reneeknowles.com

And now, for your continued reading enjoyment ~ Part IV of Chapter One ~ Secret Lives of Fortunate Wolves

In no time , they stood within, dripping. He flipped on the lights, carefully scanning the room before he moved within.
"Two people," he spoke. "Man and woman. The woman is not Trista."
"The man is human I take it – your sense of smell," she answered, when he glanced down at her. So briefly, she thought she imagined the wolfen gleam in his eyes.
"Yes, Keira. And those blonde hairs static-clinging to the drape. Trista is a medium brunette."
"Could have been a previous guest." Keira slightly shrugged. "Don’t watch those crime shows for nothing."
"Yes." Laughter edged his voice. "But we don’t get that many guests. The hairs are too recent – my keen sense of smell," he teased over her, the pleasure of velvet on her senses.Then he was slowly moving, inspecting every nook and cranny of the typical room, too typical room. Finally, he inspected the tiny bathroom area, Keira on his heels.
"What do you feel, Keira?" he asked, carefully opening drawers.
"I feel..." She closed her eyes, allowing her intuitive sense to flow, to communicate. "I feel romance – new, light-hearted, fun – then anxiousness, extreme anxiousness. Rob pacing – not knowing what to do – then receiving a call on his cell. I feel confusion. – He’s in danger, isn’t he?"
"I believe so. This is partially addressed to you – is it not?"
Keira snapped her eyes open, stared at the envelope he held out to her. Grabbing it, she looked at the front. It was her partial address – but there was nothing inside. Her frightened eyes flew back up to the Werewolf Marshall.

"Dinner," he softly spoke. "No, Keira – don’t think I betray you."
"What then, Marshall?"
"Dinner because it’s a practical matter. Dinner because there are those I can talk to – find out more information. Dinner because it makes you accepted. By my world."
She shivered. Slightly on the outside. Violently on the inside.
"Your world," she murmured. "Dinner with you – that’s what makes me ‘accepted’. Isn’t it? – No, I won’t ask more questions. Although I know there are tons more. Only! because I want to find Robert."
She whirled. Tucking the envelope inside her half-soaked blouse, she marched outside to his car. Avoiding the largest puddle, she jerked open the door. But he was inside the car before she – it spooked her. Spooked her to greater high strangeness.

Crossing her arms, she ignored him. As much as you could ignore a werewolf, one that was devilishly incredibly handsome.
"We’ll change into dry clothes at my place. I have clothes that will fit you."
"Previous women guests, I may assume."
"Keira, darling," he magically male-flowed over her. "I won’t inquire about your past affairs, if you won’t inquire about mine." His voice had turned arrogantly amused. "However, the clothes belong to my sister. She stays at my place when she’s here."
"And when she’s not here?" Keira did not unfold her arms, yet felt easier – she scowled at herself.
"College. Back east. Not ivy league."
"Darling?" she dared, her chin jutting out.
"Know much about wolves?" he inquired, his tone natural velvet.
"Probably not much. Certainly nothing about werewolves."
"Wolves mate, Keira."

Wilding tingles erupted all over her, dimpled her flesh. Her breaths could have run a race.
"Baby wolfs – cubs," she let her tongue go to it’s sarcastic nature, a little.
"Yes, baby wolfs." She felt his grin. "Baby wolfs," he repeated more softly.
Keira didn’t speak what was on the tip of her tongue. Baby werewolves – were there baby werewolves? And beyond that – werewolf mating. She slammed the door on her mind shut. Hard shut.
Yet, he spoke it. "Werewolves mate."
"With other werewolves," she attempted, squeezing her eyes closed. And squeezing herself with her folded arms.
"The werewolfen men of my clan always know their mates."
Silence sang eerily around her. Keira finally opened her eyes, when she felt them make a turn. Before her stood a turn-of-the-century mansion – carved ivory in the gray rain gloom, in the fall of dusk. "Yours?" she inquired, knowing it was before he spoke.
"Yes, Keira."
"I forgot to call Diane," she suddenly remembered. "It’s absolutely lovely. Amazing – almost like a fantasy house." Keira focused her eyes, soaking in the mansion’s regal romantic structure and features. Until they drove the u-shaped driveway toward the back.
"My sister’s entrance is in the back. Wear what pleases you. There’s a phone, I believe, on her nightstand."
Halting beneath a large canopy, he came around, gentleman-opening her door. Once again, he presented his hand.

Late evening smooch from the Kougar...

Reviews by Cindy & Werewolfen Secrets

Big Adorable Kittens all, today the Kougar will post Cindy's reviews of moi's two e-novels. Cindy is a reader who participates on the Siren-BookStrand Yahoo loop, and loves reading erotic romances. She also likes writing reviews. So the Kougar is purring-glad to present ~

Reviews by Cindy ~

All Shades of Blue Paradise by Savanna Kougar is a great story. I especially liked that the hero was aggressive and the heroine was a very strong woman. The out of control passion they felt for each other was sizzling .The clash between the aggressive hero and the equally strong heroine creates a tension that keeps the reader wondering how they'll reconcile their past mistakes.
Even though I enjoyed this book, the writing style is unique and it makes it somewhat challenging book to read.
Cindy

All Shades of Blue Paradise ~ Siren Publishing ~ sirenpublishing.com

Author's note: Like a historical romance this novel is written in the culture of the World of the Blue Pearl Moon, and thus, all good and dear readers are advised the writing style is unique.

Red Lioness Tamed
By: Savanna Kougar

This is an awesome story, it caught me from page one. I loved the way the hero wasted no time in telling the heroine exactly what he wanted from her. Their interaction and the fact that he found her beautiful, regardless of what form she was in, kept me involved to the last page. This is a fast paced story , that I thoroughly enjoyed. I hope to read more of this series in the future.

Cindy

Red Lioness Tamed ~ Liquid Silver Books ~ liquidsilverbooks.com

Now, just because the Kougaress loves you, here is Part Trois of Chapter One ~ Secret Lives of Fortunate Wolves ~

"Human is not a real good thing to be right now, is it?" she asked, unfreezing enough to sink down in the seat. "Planning on a meal?"
"Only if you join me. – And not as dinner, Keira." He paused, the wolfen magic continued. "My beautiful, fairy-delicate, Venus-lush Keira."
"My Goddess," she murmured, sinking lower – and noticing, through the lessening rain, they approached a quaint town of lovely old architecture.
"Dinner, Keira?" he asked, as if the balance of the world depended on her answer – yet also, as if the balance already belonged to him. The arrogant all-knowing male. Male wolf.
"Why not?" She tried to breathe more normally. Tried to unclutch her bag. Even though she realized she didn’t have any silver bullets – or a gun – or a silver-tipped anything. And maybe none of that would protect her. Anyway.
Silver forks at dinner?"

The Half Moon is on the outskirts, the other side of town," he spoke as if all was completely normal. The world hadn’t just switched to ferociously bizarre.
"Would Rob have been anyone’s dinner?" she tentatively inquired, sneaking a peek at him.
"A bear maybe. Spotted a few new ones lately."
"Running as a wolf?" she asked, figuring she might as well take the wolf by the furry dangerous – if gorgeous tail.
"Yes. – And on night rounds. Had some reports. Wanted to check it out. – Silver bullets won’t kill me, Keira. Or a silver fork," he amused offered, then waited – enjoying, enjoying tremendously.

"Oh, this just gets better and better. Werewolf and mind reader. Do you ‘mind’ letting me know what does work?"
"There’s only one way to kill me, Keira."
Sadness filled her like an empty well. She saw him wolf howl mournfully – the full mammoth moon, radiant behind him – but that was all.
"Half Moon is just up ahead. Stay close, Keira. Let me do the asking."
"Part of the wolf brethren?" she inquired, curious and thinking escape.

"Escape, Keira?" he teased. He pulled in, stopped.
Before she knew it, he captured her hand. His lips grazed just above her thumb, so sensuously she nearly swooned. And felt entirely shocked. Nothing like that had ever happened to her. She didn’t even own the willpower to reclaim her hand.
"Battle me later, my beautiful Keira. Stay. I will open your door."
Werewolf! It bounced through her, pinballs ringing, zigzagging. Beating against her insides.
He opened her door, presented his hand – reminding her of the regency movies she had seen. She gazed up at him, then placed her hand in his. A strange sense of belonging whispered through her – vanished, as they moved through the steady rain, side-by-side, to the Half Moon’s office.

"Marshall Vhulfe," the twenties-something woman greeted, her eyes flashing flirtation.
"Mara, we’re looking for a guest. Mr. Robert Bateman."
"He was here, Marshall. Checked out yesterday about 2:00 in the afternoon. Seemed real enthusiastic about something. Paid his bill. – Everything seemed okay."
"See anybody with him, Mara?"
"I know he’s been talking with Trista. Seen them together. When I went to lunch. At Bev’s place. – But I didn’t see Trista with him when he left – or anyone else."
"Make any calls?"
"One to Trista that I know about. Overhead him on his cell. – Didn’t use the room phone."

"He leave any information about were he was headed?"
Marshall Vhulf leaned on her counter – forward, on one elbow – eye to wolf-penetrating eye with Mara.
"He didn’t speak it, Marshall." Mara cast a speculative cold eye over Keira. "But I think he may have headed north. Recent wolf trails up there. Good swimming place too – if you know what I mean."
"I do, Mara. Thank you. If he you see Mr. Bateman, or hear anything else, I need to know – talk to me quick."
"Yes, Marshall. You want his room key. No one’s checked in yet."
"Thanks, Mara. Say hello to your mother and father for me. Plan to be at the Sunday picnic."

Mara smiled then – beautiful, yet somehow voracious.
Taking Keira’s elbow, in a commanding manner, and not to her taste, the Marshall escorted her outside. "The car," he stated, releasing her.
Obeying him, only because he was a werewolf, and only because she wanted to find Rob – and because she was stranded – Keira quickly strode to the passenger door, sliding in when he opened it.
"Keira, my fierce one," he spoke once he was beside her. He handed her the room key.
"Fierce!" she challenged. "How fierce could I be compared to you?"
"You will be fierce enough," he enigmatic spoke, switching on the car.
Slowly he drove along the row of rooms, until they were before room 216.
"For the sake of expediency, my Keira, I will forego your door. This time."

"Fine!" She quickly shoved open the door. Her foot landed in a pool of water. "That’s why!" she shouted at him, once she’d jumped out.
"Wolves like water, Keira," he absently spoke, his focus on the motel room. "Next time, however, I will lift you out."
She stared at the back of him, until she handed him the key. Her insides were gooey and stunned – because she knew he meant it.

Kiss to Cindy from the Kougar...

Back to the Future and Beyond

Hello-purr, my Kittens, the Kougar is worn down to a hunting-shopping frazzle...not to yowl-mention moi accidentally angered an elderly citizen, by being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and then offering the wrong kind of assistance. Indeed, Big Cats, the Kougaress has only seen pure hatred and evil blazing from the eyes of two humans *focused directly at moi* twice in her lifetime, both of them elderly women. The Kougar must wonder if demons have a special fondness for possessing these particular human bodies.

Back to the future and beyond, my Big Beautiful Cats. The Kougar has an enduring fondness for all three Back to the Future movies. What's not to love about that *Dorlean ` the car*, that time travel adventuring in that offbeat fun way? Often, when writing one of moi's stories, meow-however, that's what it feels like, since past events make the heroine and hero who they are, no matter what part of their sizzle romance adventure the Kougar is writing. And the moi also flicking-tail happily adores writing futuristics, which always mean knowing the past as well, regardless of culture the novel set in ~ the space of Red Lioness Tamed or another dimension like World of the Blue Pearl Moon.

To tell Lady Sheridan and Baron Zaggry's story in All Shades of Blue Paradise, the past was often referenced since the novel began ten years after Sher broke their engagement. And that is where backstory enters the story picture. And for that craft topic visit Title Magic and soak up today's Guest Blogger, Terry Odell's words of writerly wisdom.

Moi's opening and intro...

Happy Summer All. Grab those special books you love to escape with, and head out to the pool or to your backyard lounging chair, and indulge your reader's appetite. Terry Odell's romantic suspense novels are a perfect fit for summer. Her clear descriptive writing style will carry you away effortlessly into a story packed with hang-onto-your-teeth twists and turns. But, most importantly, ends with the triumph of love.For all of us authors and aspiring authors Terry discusses a topic that is vitally important to a successful novel, how to use backstory. What does your reader need and want to know about the main characters? How much is too much? And when is there too little backstory?Welcome Terry, thanks for joining us today.

Meow-then, a snippet from Starting Over by Terry Odell ~ just because moi loves it.

In the steamy cocoon of the shower, Colleen’s fingers found the dimpled scar the bullet had left on her thigh and the long, straight one where they’d repaired her femoral artery. She knew they were no longer a garish red, but she refused to look at them. Thankfully, the exit wound on the back of her leg was out of sight unless she really worked at seeing it. The ugly reminders that screamed "failure" remained, long after the physical pain had gone.
She watched the sudsy water swirl down the drain, willing it to take her memories along.
Get a grip. It’s over. Forget Pine Hills. You made your choice, so get on with your life.
She declared yesterday a do-over. Hell, as long as she was changing the rules of time, the last three months never happened. But then, she’d still be a cop in Pine Hills, Oregon, instead of a basket case in Orlando, Florida.

Back to the future kisses from the Kougar...

Virgin Harvest Day ~ Anitra Lynn McLeod

Greetings, all Big Cats, if you're a virgin. Today is your day to be harvested, plucked and sensually plundered...and, well, meow...pleasure-plunging fun ensues...

Opps...never mew-mind, the Kougar was carried away by her naughty imaginings.

Today! is Anitra Lynn McLeod day on Kougar Kisses. Why? you politely purr...because Anitra, one of the ten ATIV finalists, has just entered the holy land to the to-be published by none other than Kensington. Moi will let her tell it in her own words. And for the rest of the super fab, champagne-popping blog, lope on over to Title Magic ~ titlemagic.blogspot.com ~ and congratulate her.

On Friday June 6th my agent, Roberta Brown, woke me up with a phone call. I was asleep because I'd worked until 11:30 p.m the previous night at my "regular" job then worked until 2:00 a.m at my "favorite" job, which is writing. She apologized and said she would call back later. I told her there was no way I was going back to bed because I knew she wasn’t calling to chat.
And I was right.
Roberta called to tell me John Scognamiglio of Kensington was offering a three-book deal for my novel, Virgin Harvest.
Now mind you, I was not fully awake yet so I had to pinch myself three times to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. (I have a bruise on my butt to prove this!) I was also miffed that I had been sleeping--why couldn't I get "the call" when I was actually doing something like writing?
I wasn’t dreaming, but the enormity of everything took two days to sink in. When it did, my reaction was something like, “Oh my God! I’m finally going to be a published author!” and then I panicked, "Oh my God! I've got to write two more novels!"
Virgin Harvest will come out next summer under the Kensington Aphrodisia line. I have my deadlines for delivering the other two novels (both erotic romances). I can’t wait to see the cover art and from what I’ve heard about John, he’s going to be a wonderful editor to work with.

Moi's mew-sings below ~

Yay!!! Anitra, I knew you'd get the BIG ONE. I hear Kensington is a great place to be -- which is even better!
Congrats! as a word just doesn't seem big enough. I'm thrilled for you!

Tomorrow, my sexy Big Kitties, is author guest day on Title Magic with none other than Terry Odell, multi-published suspense-action-adventure romance author. And you are definitely invited!

What an amazing span of time, my Gorgeous Big Cats. Pat P.E. Cunningham was featured for her short story in Fantasy and Science Fiction magazine. Mel Heirs had her short story featuring 'chessies' published. And now, Anitra is signed with Kensington. Way too cosmic cool! (See previous posts for more info)

Sweet virgin kisses from the Kougar...

What's a Girl to do with a Werewolf

Beautiful Big Cats, half of the year, 2008 is gone, lost somewhere in the mists of quickening time. And official summer time is just around the corner, beginning on June 20. The Summer Equinox, a magical energy, a balance of day and night. This year the full moon is on June 18 ~ or the fullness of summer is there for the taking and making. For the full living of life.

Okay, on the ever-mundane side of the Kougar's life. Plain white washing machine arrived, and moi discovered she still possesses some muscular strength when she wrangled old washer outside, then new washer inside. Hopefully hook-up will occurr tomorrow, once the carpet dries.

It's been a lovely cool dry-air day on the tame prairie, with the crescent moon showing in the late afternoon sky as a luminous pearl.

Just for you, my treasured kittes all, Part Deux from Chapter One ~ Secret Lives of Fortunate Wolves ~ What's a girl to do with a werewolf?

He opened the passenger door for her. She half-dived within, part of her silly-concerned with getting his seat all wet. As her rain god sheriff, or whatever he was, opened his door, Keira concentrated on finger-combing back her stuck hair. Concentrated on not looking upon him – rain god or devil in disguise.
"Keira," she spoke her name when she heard the door shut. "Keira Summer Windsor. – Would you like to see my driver’s license?" She opened her bag. "Ms. Windsor." His voice did not disappoint. Instead – smooth, deep as a long warm summer night, deep as gazing up at the clear black sky.
Keira resisted the urge to female shudder. She looked over, then up at him, as he wanted – indicated by the tone of his voice.

"Marshall Zane Dominik Vhulfe," he formally presented. He also presented a small formal smile. But it was the warmth emanating from his gaze, the flame rising warmth behind his eyes, that captured her attention – that captured her full attention.
Why his whole name?
"Your license is not necessary yet, Ms. Windsor. Stranded?"
She nodded, shivering within. Suddenly she felt possessed. Held in some sort of weird possession as he inspected her. Sniffed her. As if he ‘sniffed’ her all over.
Strangely, she knew he sniffed her. And Keira knew he continued to inspect her. She felt it all over. And somehow, she knew, as she knew the feel of rain on her body, on her senses – he found it pleasurable. Found her pleasurable. Found it...
If I open the door, run – I wonder if they’ll find my body?

"What happened?" he finally asked, the darkness of his eyes compelling.
Dark, but golden, his eyes. Golden flames leaping. Leaping toward her.
"No power – when I pressed the accelerator," she answered, turning away from his exotic riveting face – his bone structure was to die for. "Know where I can get a tow to a mechanic?"
"I’ll have David bring your car to his garage. In the morning. I’m Marshall of Blue Moon Bay. David will take care of you. Fair price."
"Thanks. Blue Moon Bay? What a wacky coincidence, Marshall Vhulfe. I’m looking for my cousin, Rob. Robert Bateman. He’s supposed to be staying at the Half Moon motel."

"Zane," he spoke as if owned all the patience in the world. "Mother was mesmerized by Zane Grey’s westerns – still is. – You said ‘supposed’. Is something wrong?"
"Rob was supposed to call his mother last night. I was on my way past here. Said I’d check on him. He always calls," she rushed as if she ran out of breath – and noticed how tightly she clutched her bag against her chest.
"We’ll head over there right now. Nothing doin’ tonight. The rain. – May I call you, Keira?"
"Of course...Zane," she managed. "Great name. Read a few Zane Grey westerns. Teenage years."

Is it possible to actually jump out of your skin?
"Nervous, Keira?" he inquired, moving to switch on the car.
Terribly. Wickedly. Jump out of my skull nervous.
"I was supposed to be at Diane’s shop in half-an-hour now," she looked at his dashboard display clock.
"Diane Griffith?" he inquired, ease-perfectly moving out onto the highway.
"Yes! You know her?"
"Just to do a little shopping. Gifts," he explained. "Are you one of her suppliers?"
"She likes my jewelry designs. They’ve been selling."
"You can give her a call when we get to Half Moon, Keira."
Goddess! His voice – pure black magic.

"Thanks. No need for everyone to worry. Since I’m safe."
But am I?
She stared straight ahead, at the rain, still a gully washer. She listened to the wipers swish, and wondered if this was another bizarre crossroad in her life. Her life had taken bizarre turns before – but this felt even more bizarre. Somehow.
"Why is your cousin Rob up this way?"
"You’re gonna laugh. I hope you’re gonna laugh. He’s hunting the american werewolf – cameras in hand. Ever listen to radio? Coast-to-Coast? Art Bell? George Noory – only this was a new show..."
"Ian Punnett," he interrupted. "Night rounds. Officer’s best friend at times."
"Rob eats, breathes, lives cryptozoology."

"Lake Geneva, the sightings."
"Werewolves – They’re not just for halloween anymore – on Linda Godfrey’s website. Seen it?" Keira tried a light tone.
"Clever. No I haven’t been to her website. Listened to that show. Quite the conversation in town for a few days, for us night folk. Thought we might get a few people up our way – Blue Moon Bay can always use a few guests. Helps the economy."
You could be a male model – help the economy out. A whole lot!
"Anyone in town every have a sighting?" she asked. With some relief Keira watched as they turned off the highway at the Blue Moon Bay road sign.
"Tales told every now and then. Especially at the Ale House – on spooky nights."
"Ale House? Do you mean like a tavern?"

"Stone building, 1800's. Built by the same family that still owns it. They brew ale – old-fashioned recipes. It’s a gathering place for us – used for town council meetings."
"Grow up in Blue Moon Bay?" she inquired, always fascinated by people’s life stories – and especially his. Now.
"No. Close by. Visited a lot. Relatives. Lots of relatives."
She heard the boyish grin in his voice.
"Always want to be Marshall?" she asked, letting herself enjoy, a little, how he ease-expertly handled the car around the winding curves.

"Destiny," he stated, amusement in tone. "Dad was the Marshall for most of my growing up. Then my Uncle and Aunt teamed up as the Marshalls. Later, my older brother. Now my turn – Married, Keira?"
"No," she loosed before she thought. She felt stalked, but not unpleasurably. "You?" she returned, her breath stuck somewhere.
"No, Keira. I’m not married. I’m not engaged. No girlfriend. And not divorced."
"Wow," she murmured. "Aren’t the women just dripping off you?" Immediately, she squeezed her eyes tight – wishing fiercely that she hadn’t just said that.
"Have to chase off a few."
Instantly, a scene formed – a waking dream. A wolf – beautiful, primal, male-majestic – circled by other wolves, all females. All waiting. All splendidly sleek, breathtakingly beautiful. When the females approached, he charged, chasing them back.
Keira jerked upright, clutching her purse more vigorously against her chest.
"Yes, Keira." His voice touched her, black magic. Wolf magic.

Frozen, and wondering if she would ever unthaw – maybe she wouldn’t have to – he’d just eat her – Keira managed to turn her face toward him.
"Been sighted lately?" she asked.
He laughed. Or male-howled with laughter.
"No, my Keira," he finally answered. "However, a few of the brethren could have been sighted. In transition. Or playing wolfen tricks. On the humans."

Cover art, my Fabulous Kitties, today on Title Magic, Helen blogs about the commercial importance of cover art and posts some beautiful enchanting examples. Mew-sings below:

Ooooh, Helen, I absolutely love your cover choices! I'd be picking up those too. C.L. Wilson did get great artistic covers! While I will pick up a book with a wonderful cover to my eye, even occasionally purchase for the cover. I truly buy on the blurb and reading a page or two at random, first.
Hey, you should have posted your cover!

New Summer kisses from the Kougar...

Just Another Paranormal Monday

Beloved Big Cats, the Kougar is up to her slanty eyebrows busy! So, for your beautiful glowing eyes only, moi's contribution to the Yahoo Loop ~ Just Another Paranormal Monday ~

Hi paranormal junkies...uh, I mean that only in the nicest of ways, of course. Since I can't be with you today...I'm working on a friend's WIP...but *whew and phew* I did finish my first round of edits on Tangerine Carnal Dreams, coming from Aspen Mountain Press...
But just for fun I thought I'd give you the beginning of my mss, Secret Lives of Fortunate Wolves ~ Chapter One ~
Excerpt:
Werewolves of London, Coming to America – by Robert Bateman.
Keira shoved her cousin’s latest article-writing attempt into one of her bags, on top – while the phone rang.
"Aunt Debbie, hello. What can I do for you?" Keira shouldered the phone while trying to tie her shoe – a comfy black suede half-boot.
"Dear, are you busy?"
"On my way out – taking some of my jewelry pieces up to Diane. Got Rob’s article. I’ll proof read it tonight."
"Your mother said you were going up that way."
"What is it, Aunt Debbie?" Keira attempted patience, slowing her breaths.
"Hunting the American Werewolf."
"Are you talking about Rob or Coast-to-Coast – when Linda Godfrey was on?"
Keira forced in more patient breaths and stilled the anxious whirl inside her head.
"Yes, Ian’s Punnett’s new show. I’m worried about Rob..."
Keira tingled, an eery crawling in her stomach she didn’t like.
"What’s going on, Aunt Debbie?"
"Rob hasn’t called..."
Keira tingled all over, fiercely. Rob’s fanatic hobby was cryptozoology, chasing after unknown or paranormal creatures.
"What’d he do – grab all his camera gear? Head up to Lake Geneva to hunt for the American Werewolf?"
"Yes...and he hasn’t called."
"Where is he supposed to be, Aunt Debbie?"
"He’s staying at a small motel, The Half Moon. I spoke with him three nights ago. Rob said he would call last night."
"What town, Aunt Debbie?" Keira asked. Worry furrowed her brow – Rob always called his mother, being a bit of a mother’s boy.
"Tiny place – don’t even think it’s on the map. Blue Moon Bay."
"Road sign for a turn off – seen that. Yeah, I’ll stop. Check in on him."
"Thanks, dear. Be careful. Storm movin’ in I heard. On the morning news."
"Call you on the cell – you do have my number?" Keira hefted the last bag over her free shoulder, and reached for her purse – one she had glitter-designed. Just for the fun of it.
"Yes. Your mother gave it to me. Blessed be, dear."
"Blessed be." Keira set her phone down, rushing for the front door. And toward her car, a 94 Eclipse, she called the Plum Silver Goddess.
Blasting the radio up, her favorite music station, she drove toward the old two-lane highway. Toward the Land of Linda Godfrey’s american werewolves – in rural Wisconsin, east of Lake Geneva . Keeping her speed-itching foot under control, Keira stayed at her usual five miles over the speed limit.
"I wish I owned the power to manipulate time," she dramatically murmured, just for herself. She twitched her nose, a skill she had practiced since seeing Samantha on Bewitched – one of her mother’s old favorite tv shows. As a mere child she had been magically awestruck.
"Born to be wild..." She belted out with the song, revving up her spirits, and quickening her pulse to wonderfully reckless. She rocked in her seat rhythmically, singing along with the radio tunes. While farmland turned to forest. And sparse forest became deeper forest. Above the towering trees – trees she as always thought of as majestic mystic beings – gray skies became the shade of pewter.
As she entered denser darker forest, the rains came. Slashing sheets of rain.
Wipers on high, she leaned forward, her gaze focused on following the yellow line. At the same time, she glanced up watching for the turn off sign to Blue Moon Bay.
"Oh crap!" Keira pressed her accelerator again. And again. No response. Gradually her car slowed down. While the pit of her stomach churned to near panic, and the rain slashed at her.
"Now what!?"
She guided her car onto the highway’s narrow shoulder, carefully, letting it roll until it stopped. Turning it off , she tried to calm herself with memories of past rescues.
"Another crisis! In a long series of crisis," she muttered. She reached for her cell phone. "Just what I need. – Why didn’t I get the phone number to the Half Moon?"
Taking another deep breath, she silently asked, "What now, Goddess?" She stared down at her cell, wondering who she should try to reach. Her mother didn’t drive. Aunt Debbie didn’t have a car. And all her friends would be working, brutally busy with their lives.
"No service," she stated flatly, not greatly surprised by her fate. "Well, that solves that. Can’t call anyone anyway."
Bad luck had been her constant companion for the last several years – despite her best efforts to change her luck, her exhausting, endless efforts to keep her karma right.
"Help," she appealed to God, Goddess, her Guardian Angel.
Keira sat calmly, and waited. Waited for something. Anything good. Her mind spun chaotically, searching for any idea out of her horrid predicament.
"I definitely need help – a miracle or two," she spoke moments later. Again to her Guardian Angel. Or any Good Being. Out there.
She waited, watching the rain glisten-pour down her windshield. Watching the rain rage. She waited, observing her own internal battle. Calm or panic? Both tore at her – the giant claws of an ether monster she couldn’t see or identify.
"Direct from hell. Or the X-Files," she murmured.
Then a glint in her rearview mirror caught her eye.
Glancing up, she saw the flashing lights of a Patrol car as it rolled up behind her.
"Friend or foe?" she wanted to ask whoever was behind the wheel – remembering the news stories of bad cops, of bad men impersonating cops.
"Not a Patrol uniform. More of a sheriff’s look," she murmured, watching the man in her side mirror, when he emerged. No rain gear. Not even a hat. But armed. Definitely armed.
"Armed and dangerous?" she automatically asked herself.
"Geez!" Keira sat up straighter, her insides suddenly wild and wanton-simmering. "He’s gorgeous. Gorgeous hair!" Long, flowing to his shoulders, his hair was being rain slickened – revealing his sculpted, rather exotic-appearing features.
"Rain god impersonating a mere human male?" she asked herself.
Against all her wishes, Keira’s loins came to twisting life. The bold, arrogant-casual way he strode toward her side window. His thighs – sleek and powerful muscle – she wanted to carve them with her hands.
"My God!" She broke out in a light sweat, even as she began to open her door, even as she prepared for the onslaught of rain.
"Hello," she began, glad her voice didn’t give away her throbbing pulse.
"Follow me," he invited, more than commanded.
Once she had grabbed up her purse, he pivoted toward his car. No protection from the downpour, Keira plunged out into the drenching rain, dashing behind him – and hoped he wasn’t the devil incarnate. Posing as a rain god.

Trot on over to Title Magic, Big Kitties. Lexie presents her thoughts on how to improve one's chances of becoming a published writer. Mew-sings below.

Hi Lexie, I think you've raised some excellent issues. Truthfully, I have no answers for you. I help wherever I can and whomever I can, but it's not formalized as in a chapter setting, except for the Passionate Ink chapter of RWA, where we all help each other, especially via the forum.
As I've mentioned before, my journey has not been one which should be followed by anyone else. There was no step-by-step process. It was guided by a Divine Hand in a very mysterious and mostly incomprehensible manner to me. Or, to say it differently, it makes no logical sense whatsoever.
I'm sorry to hear various chapters are having problems. I personally think the contest market is over done, so to speak. Meaning too many contests for the amount of entries available. And with economic times now more difficult, who can afford it? Time, of course, is also at a premium. I do as much as I can, and it's never quite enough in terms of promotional opportunities.
This isn't an easy business, unless, it's just your hobby. Something you're doing purely for the fun of it.
I know I haven't really answered your real questions and concerns. And I am sure there are others much more qualified. However, if I can help you in any way, I will.
BTW, I liked your story premise, the one you talked about at the beginning of CJ Lyon's blog.

Just another paranormal kiss from the Kougar...

Flash! the Erotic Lash

No kittens under 18 allowed! Rated a clawing XXX...

Whew! Big Kitties, the Kougar's first round of edits on Tangerine Carnal Dreams, her otherworld stallion shifter novella, are finally done and sent away, having soared through cyber waves to their destination.

And today on Love Romances Cafe Yahoo Loop is an excerpt from Red Lioness Tamed (Liquid Silver Books ~ liquidsilverbooks.com ~) for sci fi day.

On Liquid Silver SEx blog ~ liquidsilverbooks.com/blog ~ it's BDSM Flash Fiction day with Ann Cory. Big Hawt Cats, if you enjoy a little pain with your carnal pleasures, enjoy the erotic view today.

The following flashes are from the Kougars WIP ~ Book II from the World of the Blue Pearl Moon ~ Pleasures of Blue Lotus Oil ~ contracted to Siren Publishing.

ONE
With swift ease, Zag removed his dress loafers, shed his casual evening jacket, then his trousers. Dark charcoal, a fluid silk weave, Sheridan had felt like a mare in heat when she’d seen him in her room earlier. Now his golden physique, enhanced by the golden reflecting candlelight, caused her mouth to water. Ravenously, she hungered, wanton anticipation seizing her loins. He was breathtaking, his mating sword a dark gold, and partially raised.
Her lips were wild to taste him everywhere, anywhere.
"You have displeased me, slave lover," he growled. Moving beside her, he claimed her wrists in one hand.

TWO
"Consider this your punishment." Thin silk cord wrapped tightly, binding her wrists together.
Sheridan gasped in a breath. Dark heat pooled low in her loins, a wicked heat demanding to be assuaged. Her thrust breasts ached from merely the air’s touch. "Yes, my master."
Pivoting before her, he reached down pinching her nipples, his nails biting into them. "Master," she begged, knowing that was the role he wanted her to act out. And knowing part of him still wanted her punishment.
Sheridan didn’t care, her clit ignited. Her silky juices touched her inner thighs.
"Has your wife displeased you, Squire?"

THREE
"Or do you merely revel in the pleasures of Pyrexsia?" Zag indolently seated himself on the chair, propped one leg up.
"My wife adores the pain pleasure of candle wax dripping upon her teats. The burn of the wax between her thighs. I may do anything I please with her then." With a trained elegance, Squire Headrow lit three simple taper candles. Then his weak gaze flitted between Sheridan and Zag, his assessment fed by a cunning nature.
Following the lead of their host, Zag lit the three candles atop the table beside the arm of his large master’s chair–

FOUR
opposite where his gorgeous Sheridan was on erotic display. Idly, he moved his hand before her breast, flicked her nipple repeatedly with his nail.
Her pleasure fiercely exquisite, Sheridan whimpered. She arched her back, allowing her head to fall back. "Please, master, must you hurt me?"
"Your pain merely begins, slave lover."
"No...please..."
"May I, Squire?" Zag swiftly retrieved a small fine crop. Sliding it between his fingers, he arrogantly purred, "I am training my slave lover to obey my whip."
"Anywhere, but where the wax will fall, Baron. I see your whip’s mark on your slave lover’s rump."

Kiss from the Kougar's lash...